Three Tigers sluggers on all-tournament team

Missouri outfielders Ryan Lollis and Aaron Senne and designated hitter Jacob Priday were named to the Columbia regional all-tournament team Monday. Lollis, a right fielder, went 5-for-16 with three RBIs and four runs. Senne, a freshman, batted .470 with two home runs. Priday hit three home runs, none more meaningful than his two against Louisville on Saturday night.

Tournament-champion Louisville, however, contributed seven players to the tournament team, including an all-Louisville infield of first baseman Daniel Burton, second baseman Logan Johnson, shortstop Chris “Wee” Cates and third baseman Chris Dominguez. Both pitching slots were filled by Cardinals relievers Kyle Hollander and Gavin Logsdon.

Chris Dominguez was the tournament’s most outstanding player after hitting four home runs and driving in 11 runs. At one point Monday, Dominguez had a span of three home runs in four at-bats.

Miami catcher Richard O’Brien was the only member of the all-tournament team not to play for Louisville or Missouri.

Former Hickman star and current Miami centerfielder Blake Tekotte was a notable omission from the team. Tekotte, with legions of fans supporting him at Taylor Stadium, went 3-for-14 with a home run from his spot atop the Hurricanes’ order.

MIAMI STALLS: The Columbia regional marked Miami’s 35th consecutive NCAA regional tournament appearance. However, for the first time since 1993, Miami did not advance to a super regional. Miami lost to Louisville 13-7 on Friday, beat Kent State 8-7 on Saturday and then was eliminated by Louisville 8-7 on Sunday.

Friday’s loss to Louisville also marked the first time in 10 years that Miami lost a regional opener.

“We’re all very spoiled at Miami,” coach Jim Morris said after Sunday’s loss. “Me, our players, our fans, everybody else, with all the things that have happened over the years. Hopefully, we’ll continue to be spoiled in the future.”

Morris tried to find the humor in the situation.

“You would have never thought 10 years ago,” he said, “that we would be playing in a regional at Missouri and lose two games to Louisville, two cold-weather schools.”

DRAFT LOOMS: After Monday’s game, Missouri coach Tim Jamieson said he expects center fielder Evan Frey, second baseman Brock Bond and designated hitter Jacob Priday to get drafted in this week’s MLB draft.

“Jacob is a little more of a question,” Jamieson said, “because he’s a DH and didn’t play the field very much this year. I think someone will draft him, but it’s harder to tell with him. He’s certainly capable.”

Jamieson’s comments were an attempt to clear the air after Senne said the three juniors would be gone after this season.

Missouri is also losing seniors Gary Arndt, Stephan Holst, Dan Quinn and John McKee, but their draft statuses are much more uncertain.

RECORD WEEKEND: On Friday, the Missouri-Kent State game drew a record crowd of 3,481 to Taylor Stadium. The record stood for only one day. On Saturday, 3,630 fans saw the Missouri-Louisville game. For the weekend, 15,146 fans attended the seven games, an average of 2,163 people per game. The usual Taylor Stadium capacity is 2,200.